Four new members of the Indiana Master Farmers were inducted a few days ago. They include: Bob Bishop, Leesburg; Tom Johnson, Redkey; Jim Lankford, Martinsville; and Rory Walker, Waterloo. The Master Farmer award program is sponsored by Indiana Prairie Farmer and the Purdue University College of Agriculture.

Perhaps the most intriguing part of this year's awards event was the roundtable discussion of the four Master Farmers after the formal luncheon. This new feature was added this year. The event was held at the Beck Ag Center at the Purdue Agronomic Research Center.

Bruce Erickson, a Purdue University ag economist and coordinator of Top Farmer Crop Workshop, tried to get inside the head of each successful farmer during the open discussion session. "How have you managed to reach this position, and be named a Master Farmer?" Erickson asked.

After most humbly said they weren't sure why they were there instead of someone else, they got down to business. "I've been fortunate in the opportunities I've had in my career," Bishop says. It's actually his second career, although he's always loved farming- Bishop taught school for 16 years before returning to the farm full-time.

"I think it's important to help the community, too," he adds. "One program we've helped start that means a lot to me helps the local food pantries. Farmers donate a load of grain at harvest by selling it in the food pantry's name.

Fatherly advice set Bishop off in the right direction. "If you're going to do something, do it right," he always told me. "I still try to follow that, whether it's on the farm or working for the community."

Walker praises other people for much of his success. "I've been surrounded by good people on the farm, starting with my wife, Diane, and now my son, Jacob, who's returned home to farm," he notes. "I really enjoy going to work with them every day and seeing what they have to say.

"I've also learned to listen to lots of other good people. We rely on a lot of consultants, for everything from wheat production to accounting. They bring us new ideas, and I feel that's important."

Lankford very humbly says he's been fortunate to have good opportunities at opportune times in his career. This year has been more of a challenge than an opportunity, however, since his farm was at the epicenter of the June 7 flood. Two miles of cattle fence were destroyed, some cattle were washed away, and a planter and tractor were nearly covered with water. Yet he's well on the way to recovery, thanks in part to good friends.

"Members of the Indiana Beef Cattle Association and lots of neighbors and relatives came in one day and helped us put up temporary fence," he relates. "It really meant a lot."

One of the keys to sustaining a farming career is balancing work and home, Erickson says. Johnson has lots of experience there, since he served 25 years as a state trooper before farming full time. He farmed part-time during the period, and his son, Matt, joined the operation in the '80s.

"You have to have a very understanding wife to help balance work and home, especially when you have an off-farm job," he said, complimenting his wife, Phyllis. "In some ways, I'm here because of her.

"I always wanted to farm, but never had the opportunity. Finally, my wife and I made the opportunity happen. We proved you can start from scratch, because we didn't have any family helping us."